Top 5 World Problems

Top 5 World Problems:

1. Lack of Education
2. Terrorism
3. Inequality
4. Poverty
5. Disease 

The reason I chose these as my top 5, in this specific order, is because I believe they each tie in with one another. Here's how:

Lack of Education

I believe education is the basis to any world problem. Sure, book smarts are what helps us toward fighting diseases and teaching those in third world countries. However, not only is there is a huge lack of respect for other people's religious, political, and cultural beliefs, but there is little understanding. I attended Catholic high school, but you did not have to be Catholic or Christian to go there. We had a mandatory world religions class, and it really opened up my knowledge of other backgrounds. I think it's important to understand where people are coming from and that there is not one way to live your life. The basis to any religion is compassion and love. Education in any aspect is an important tool to understand one another, and decrease everything else on my list- i.e. terrorism, inequality, poverty, and disease. 

Terrorism

Since arguably most terrorism results in violent actions, it is a huge struggle that we face today globally. Again understanding and tolerating others around us decreases resentment and violence. 

Inequality

I mentioned inequality as gender and racial- so I figured I would merge the two into one category. Norms have been established throughout centuries that women, gays, and people of color are less worthy of certain things than others. While America is somewhat making moves to treat these people with equality and respect, such as integration and legalizing gay marriage, many countries in the world kill these people over trivial matters. There is still so much to learn, as with terrorism. 

Poverty

Most countries in the world are third world, which means it is up to the first and even second world countries to lend helping hands. Figuring out how to get people out of poverty begins with world hunger in my opinion, and the lack of water globally. Without the proper nutrition, people are dying and are more prone to disease. I think technology and other innovative ideas help dig people out of poverty, but it's hard to help so many countries with so little resources in these areas. 

Disease

I mentioned under poverty that it goes hand-in-hand with disease. Again, education is key. People research cures to cancer and AIDS- two majorly effecting diseases in the world. The more people who research, the closer we come to finding cures. 

I think I have made it clear that education in any form- whether it be book smart or street smart- is the key to minimizing these issues, so that is why it is my "top solution". It is unfortunate that so many people in the world cannot get a solid education, let alone a fantastic one that students at UF do. The best we can do is send money their way, or even go out of our way on mission trips and other types of organizations to help build schools, fundraise, or simply extend a hand in the smallest of ways. I think education is easier implemented than say, just deciding to respect someone. Respect isn't something we are born with- it's something we learn.